Female driver news

16/09/2008

Women, car insurance and modding your mini.

Women car insurance buyers are being warned to inform their insurance company of any modifications they make to their car to avoid the risk of being under-insured.

New research from comparethemarket.com shows that many female drivers in their 30's are buying cars and making modifications or souping them up.

Car modders are being warned that even small additions such as spoilers, tinted windows or alloy wheels can add five to ten per cent to the insurance policy. Engine improvement could mean an even greater increase.

A spokeswoman for Direct Line insurance commented that there are two types of vehicle modification - performance enhancement, that will improve power and therefore increase risk of accident, and cosmetic changes that add value and also the desirability for thieves.

She added that modifications to improve the car's safety or lower the risk of theft are generally encouraged by insurers.

A CoverGirl spokesperson advises women that car insurance providers will penalise a driver who claims if their car has been modified improperly or contravened safety regulations, e.g., tinted front windows must let a minimum of 70 per cent light through and number plates must use DVLA format and fonts.